Ward’s snub of Northern Ireland tour infuriates O’Neill

Honesty may not be the best policy for a player who pulled out of trip to have a rest, even if his manager used to do the same

Missing out: Ward opted to skip international duty after the play-off final (Nigel French)

AT LEAST the statement issued by the IFA on behalf of the Derby County player Jamie Ward had that rare commodity when it comes to summer fixtures: honesty. “Jamie feels it is not in his best interests or the interests of the international squad for him to travel to South America, due to his extended club season.” Not a dodgy hamstring or a sickie called in late to the physio. Instead, a considered statement issued in advance of yesterday’s Championship playoff final at Wembley in which the player confesses: I’ve had enough.

Ward shouldn’t exactly be knackered. He has made 48 appearances for Derby County this season, but has managed only about 10 full games in that time, on more occasions either starting on the bench or being hauled off at some point in the second half. He is a valuable member of Steve McClaren’s exciting Derby squad and has